In October, Russellville’s Wesley Foundation suffered a tragic loss with the untimely passing of its ministry director, Jason Molitor.

But the winds of change have swooped in good news — a new ministry director has arrived and will continue Molitor’s work.

Jonathon Bevil stepped into his new role on Tuesday as ministry director and Arkansas Tech campus minister. Hoping to build onto the firm foundation Molitor left behind, Bevil said he is both honored and humbled by the position.

“Jason did so many great things at the foundation. Both the Wesley Foundation and the Arkansas Tech campus are healing right now,” Bevil said. “I am a social person, and I care deeply for people. Putting that along side the fact that Wesley is a place that is a home away from home, I hope to help in the healing process and start moving forward where Jason left off.”

A former Wesley Foundation board member in Monroe, La., Bevil said he and his wife always seemed to feel their calling would lead them into campus ministry. Their intuition was confirmed when Bevil’s close friend, Alan Johnson, mentioned a possible employment scenario.

“Alan was originally offered this job, but he felt his calling was to stay in where he was and continue serving the foundation there,” Bevil said. “But he knew me and he knew my heart, so he told me that he thought the job would suit me well. Of course, I didn’t exactly want to leave and was a bit stubborn about it.

“But after a lot of prayer, I decided to go in for the interview. I prayed before I went in and asked God to continue supporting us and carrying us through things, and it went very well. I’m here now.”

Though a new director from a different state, Bevil said he does not foresee any major programming changes at the Wesley Foundation. Instead, Bevil said he plans to move forward with the regular programming, bringing new ideas to the table when needed.

“The Wesley Foundation here by Arkansas Tech has done great things in the past, and I don’t see any reason to change the course,” Bevil said. “But if I do anything at all, it will be to ensure that the Wesley Foundation remains a safe, judgment-free and inviting place for people to come and hang out and learn, regardless of their denomination.

“A lot of times, churches and church groups tend to get squared away into their respective denomination and forget that as a church, they are serving the people of Russellville and area, no matter who they are or what they believe. I believe in inviting everyone to attend and getting to know people for who they are. It isn’t my job or the Wesley job to decide who is right or wrong. It’s about sharing what we know about Jesus Christ to the best of our ability.”

Bevil’s most prominent dream for the Wesley Foundation’s future is to see the foundation have a greater impact on the lives of children and local college students who are suffering through difficult family situations.

“My sincere hope for the future is to be able to better reach children and students who are going through rough times,” Bevil said. “There are so many children and students who are dealing with broken families, blended families, divorces and so many more things. What they really need is to have a place where they feel connected, not pressured or stressed. A place where they can meet and socialize with people their age and eat pizza and play games.

“Of course, that’s not all they’ll be doing, but it’s a growing process. And I really want to see us furthering our efforts and reaching out to those in need.” Bevil is currently working on the 2014-15 program guide with his fellow members at the Wesley Foundation.

For more information or to contact Bevil, call the Wesley Foundation at (479) 968-4159.